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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

VP Records' Joel Chin Murdered in Stony Hill, Jamaica

REGGAE label VP Records is in mourning, following the murder of Joel Chin, grandson of the company’s founders Pat and Vincent Chin.

The 35-year-old producer, who also headed up VP’s A&R department, was reportedly shot and killed as he drove up into his apartment in Stony Hill, St Andrew, Jamaica last night (August 16). According to reports, Chin died instantly in his driveway.

“It is with great sadness that VP Records must announce the passing of Joel Chin at the age of 35. Joel was shot last night (Tuesday, August 16) outside his home in Stony Hill, St. Andrew in Jamaica. The cause was not immediately known.

“The grandson of VP Records founder Vincent Chin, son of famed Reggae producer Clive Chin and nephew of the owners of VP Records, Chris and Randy Chin, Joel literally grew up in the Reggae business and put his vast knowledge and connections at the service of the music he loved passionately.

The statement continued: “An accomplished producer, Joel had moved from New York to Jamaica two years ago to spend more time on music production, songwriting and developing rising talents. Joel wrote hit songs for many artists such as Elephant Man and Etana among many others.

“Joel is survived by his mother Juliette, his father Clive, his newborn daughter, two brothers, and three sisters.”

As the news of Chin’s murder spread, a host of reggae stars and insiders took to Twitter to pay tribute to the much-loved producer, who had bases in both Jamaica and New York.